Published: Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 4:41 p.m.

Frank McClelland had a different kind of life growing up than most kids. He was surrounded by animals, following his dad around the Buffalo Zoo.

You could say the retired veterinarian was destined to work with animals. McClelland, now 95 and an Arden resident, was born at his family's animal hospital in Buffalo just two floors up from horses in stables and other animals.

McClelland's father, Frank Sr., was a veterinarian who moved to Buffalo in 1909 and began working at a local animal hospital before taking it over and turning it into the McClelland Small Animal Hospital. He became instrumental in the Buffalo Zoo's operations.

“When they put the zoo together, he was the first veterinarian there,” McClelland said.

McClelland, who had a younger sister and brother who were also born on the third floor of the animal hospital, spent his days at the family practice.

“As soon as we got old enough, we came to the hospital to clean the kennels,” he said.

The younger McClelland graduated from Cornell in 1940, but didn't immediately join the family practice. He instead chose to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and spent World War II working as a food inspector.

When he returned home, however, McClelland began working in the family business. He and his brother, Robert, were both veterinarians and well on their way to following in their fether's footsteps.

He spent time working at the Buffalo Zoo, where he befriended a chimp named Eddy and a giraffe he helped to deliver. The giraffe would come to him on command.

“This is what happens when you get involved with the zoo,” he said. “You make a lot of friends.”

The Buffalo Zoo eventually added an onsite animal hospital and named it after Frank McClelland Sr. The hospital treats animals at the zoo today.

The McClellands had a long history in not only New York, but the rest of the country working as veterinarians. All three were named National Veterinarian of the Year at one point. McClelland and his brother won the award after developing a vaccine for distemper.

They all were awarded the New York State Distinguished Service Award and served as presidents of different veterinarian associations, including the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The senior McClelland was a charter member of the group.

Frank McClelland Jr. retired to Brevard in 1994. He immediately put his knowledge of animals to use in the community by becoming involved at Brevard College and local elementary schools. He had plenty to share with the kids, from pictures of himself with animals varying from leopards to elephants to giraffes.

He had a lifetime to share.

“All my life I was around animals,” McClelland said. “You get attached to them. The important thing is that it was a family affair.”

<p>Frank McClelland had a different kind of life growing up than most kids. He was surrounded by animals, following his dad around the Buffalo Zoo. </p><p>You could say the retired veterinarian was destined to work with animals. McClelland, now 95 and an Arden resident, was born at his family's animal hospital in Buffalo just two floors up from horses in stables and other animals. </p><p>McClelland's father, Frank Sr., was a veterinarian who moved to Buffalo in 1909 and began working at a local animal hospital before taking it over and turning it into the McClelland Small Animal Hospital. He became instrumental in the Buffalo Zoo's operations.</p><p>“When they put the zoo together, he was the first veterinarian there,” McClelland said. </p><p>McClelland, who had a younger sister and brother who were also born on the third floor of the animal hospital, spent his days at the family practice.</p><p>“As soon as we got old enough, we came to the hospital to clean the kennels,” he said.</p><p>The younger McClelland graduated from Cornell in 1940, but didn't immediately join the family practice. He instead chose to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and spent World War II working as a food inspector. </p><p>When he returned home, however, McClelland began working in the family business. He and his brother, Robert, were both veterinarians and well on their way to following in their fether's footsteps. </p><p>He spent time working at the Buffalo Zoo, where he befriended a chimp named Eddy and a giraffe he helped to deliver. The giraffe would come to him on command. </p><p>“This is what happens when you get involved with the zoo,” he said. “You make a lot of friends.”</p><p>The Buffalo Zoo eventually added an onsite animal hospital and named it after Frank McClelland Sr. The hospital treats animals at the zoo today. </p><p>The McClellands had a long history in not only New York, but the rest of the country working as veterinarians. All three were named National Veterinarian of the Year at one point. McClelland and his brother won the award after developing a vaccine for distemper. </p><p>They all were awarded the New York State Distinguished Service Award and served as presidents of different veterinarian associations, including the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The senior McClelland was a charter member of the group.</p><p>Frank McClelland Jr. retired to Brevard in 1994. He immediately put his knowledge of animals to use in the community by becoming involved at Brevard College and local elementary schools. He had plenty to share with the kids, from pictures of himself with animals varying from leopards to elephants to giraffes. </p><p>He had a lifetime to share.</p><p>“All my life I was around animals,” McClelland said. “You get attached to them. The important thing is that it was a family affair.”</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>